Review Lagos- Calabar highway project, fix internal roads, Obi tells FG

PRESIDENTIAL candidate of the Labour Party ( LP) in last year’s general elections, Peter Obi, has urged the current administration to immediately review the Lagos- Calabar coastal super highway, describing it as a misplaced priority.

Instead, the former governor of Anambra State advised the Federal Government to channel the funds for fixing the nation’s deplorable internal roads to enhance economic growth.

Obi said deliberate attention should be given to projects that could improve the living standard of the poor and promote production.

In a message yesterday on his X handle, the LP stalwart stated: “I have closely followed the comments and developments arising from the coastal superhighway project. While I’m hesitant to engage in contentious debates about its benefits, which I acknowledge, and the pricing, which I have serious concerns about and believe should be thoroughly reviewed, I feel compelled to raise essential questions about the timing and prioritisation of such ventures.

“At the forefront of my concerns is the pressing issue of numerous uncompleted roads scattered across the country, many of which have become hazardous death traps and security risks. It’s disheartening to witness the plight of innocent Nigerians who traverse these dilapidated roads under perilous conditions, vulnerable to kidnappers and other dangers.

“Most of these roads, vital for economic growth, regional connectivity and overall development, have been under construction for several years now, and are unlikely to be completed shortly due to poor funding.”

He added: “The Federal Ministry of Works’ 2024 capital budget of N892,461,262,656, additional funding from multilateral loan projects of N94,828,535,243.00, alongside other expected contributions from sources like the China- Exim Bank and the World Bank, will not be enough for serious work on all critical roads, let alone their completion.”